The summer of 2025 was supposed to represent a fresh start for Manchester City. After enduring what many considered a disappointing 2024/25 campaign by their exceptionally high standards, Pep Guardiola’s side traveled to the United States with ambitious plans to capture the FIFA Club World Cup and restore confidence ahead of the new Premier League season. However, their 4-3 defeat to Saudi Arabian powerhouse Al Hilal has not only dashed those immediate trophy aspirations but has also exposed deeper systemic issues that continue to plague the English champions.
The Al Hilal Setback: More Than Just a Defeat
The loss to Al Hilal represents far more than a simple pre-season friendly gone wrong. For a club of Manchester City’s caliber and financial investment, failing to secure silverware against international opposition raises fundamental questions about the team’s current trajectory. The defeat has highlighted several concerning areas that Guardiola must address before the Premier League season commences in August.
While many supporters have directed their frustration toward goalkeeper Ederson for his perceived role in the disappointing result, the reality is that Manchester City’s problems run much deeper than individual errors. The Brazilian goalkeeper, who has been a stalwart between the posts for several seasons, appears to be bearing the brunt of fan criticism for what is essentially a collective failure. This scapegoating mentality, while understandable from an emotional standpoint, masks the more complex underlying issues that have been festering within the squad.
The defeat serves as a stark reminder that Manchester City’s dominance cannot be taken for granted. Even against opposition that might be considered inferior on paper, the Citizens struggled to impose their characteristic control and precision. This inability to dominate proceedings against Al Hilal suggests that the tactical and personnel adjustments made during the summer transfer window may not have adequately addressed the fundamental weaknesses that emerged during the previous campaign.
Rodri’s Injury Scare: A Cause for Immediate Concern
Perhaps the most alarming development from the Al Hilal encounter was the fitness concern surrounding Rodri, Manchester City’s £62.5 million Spanish midfielder. The 29-year-old’s importance to Guardiola’s tactical system cannot be overstated, and any suggestion of injury problems immediately sends shockwaves through the City faithful who witnessed firsthand how the team struggled without him during significant portions of the 2024/25 season.
Rodri entered the match as a substitute in the 53rd minute, presumably as part of Guardiola’s carefully managed plan to gradually reintroduce key players to competitive action following their summer break. However, his premature exit in the 100th minute due to what Guardiola described as complaints about “his situation” has raised immediate red flags about his physical condition and readiness for the upcoming campaign.